Should I Move Away From My Parents to Pray in Congregation? [Shafi’i]

Since my parents live in the same city as my new job, I am planning on living with them. But they live far from the mosque and I would be unable to make it to congregational prayers.

Is making congregational prayer a reason to leave my parents’ home and live on my own?

Answer: Assalamu ‘alaykum,

I pray that you are well.

Praying in the masjid, while highly recommended, is not obligatory. Treating your parents well is an obligation; moving away from them for this purpose may lead to hard feelings, misunderstanding, and broken ties.

Live with your parents and pray with them in congregation; the Sunnah of praying in congregation is fulfilled by doing so anywhere, not only in the masjid. On the days when you are not working, you can make the congregation in the masjid, which combines both the Sunnah of praying in congregation, as well as that of performing the prayer in the masjid